Nina Joy Kennedy

Nina Joy (Ferguson) Kennedy

February 21, 1935 to July 14, 2024

 It is with great sadness that the family of Nina Joy Kennedy announces her passing on July 14, 2024.

 Nina was born in Hobart, Oklahoma, to schoolteacher Vina (Owen) Ferguson and banker A.C. Ferguson. Growing up there, she cherished her big brother, Bud, enjoyed music, and rode her favorite horse, Lady. She graduated from Hobart High School in 1953.

 In 1957, she earned her degree in Music Education from the University of Oklahoma, where she was an officer for the music society Sigma Alpha Iota, a member of Alpha Delta Pi, the recipient of several scholastic awards of merit, and voted Big Woman on Campus.

 Nina did mission work in Fresno, California, lifeguarded, and took flying lessons. When she arrived in Texas to teach for the Sweeny Independent School District, she was amazed by the Spanish moss, coastal greenery, and local beach. Along with Nina, there were several other young, single women who began teaching in Sweeny that year. Mabel Jackson, a widow who taught first grade, wanted to introduce one of these new teachers to the nice bachelor Howard Kennedy who lived next door to her. Mabel said she chose to introduce the teacher with the brightest smile, which was Nina. However, both Nina and Howard refused her invitations three times since neither wanted to be “set up.” When they finally did meet over iced tea, it was true love. Nina said that as soon as she saw his foot on the doorstep, she felt a flutter.

 Nina and Howard married in 1958. In 1963, Nina earned her Master of Music from the University of Houston. Also that year, they welcomed a son, John, and then a daughter, Joy in 1970. Nina taught music for Sweeny Elementary for twenty-eight years. She loved every single student, and they adored her. Each class began with Nina leading the students in singing “Good Morning to you, Mrs. Kennedy,” and today, hundreds of people in the community can still sing this song. Throughout her life, former students hugged her, admitted her class was their favorite, and sang the “good morning” song to her. She complimented their pitch every time.

 Nina was a Texas State Teachers Association member and served as president of the Sweeny Eta Psi chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, the international society for women educators. She believed in education and empowering others. 

 Nina was committed to her Lord Jesus Christ, and served faithfully at the First Baptist Church in Sweeny, teaching children, promoting women’s prayer groups, and providing worship music on the organ for every service for fifty-five years.

 When Nina and Howard retired, they enjoyed traveling throughout the country in their RV. She visited Israel twice and enjoyed painting, reading, and serving her community through music. 

Her musical talent lifted listeners’ hearts, and she inspired many of her students to pursue music. As someone who wore her kindness with quiet grace, she saw the best and brightest in everyone. 

 Nina loved being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, but her first love was for her “Howie.” After his passing two months ago, her heart weakened further. Although her family is grief-stricken by both losses, they are joyful that the two have been reunited.

 Nina was preceded in death by her parents and sibling Alvin Charles (Bud) Ferguson. She is survived by her son, John Kennedy of Sweeny; her daughter, Joy Kennedy-O’Neill of Lake Jackson; granddaughter Shannon Kennedy of Colorado Springs; granddaughter Megan Baxter of Angleton and great-grandson, Edward Baxter. 

 The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at The Fountains Assisted Living facility in Sweeny. Nina was laid to rest at the Sweeny Cemetery on July 17th, following a private graveside service. A memorial service will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug 10th at First Baptist Church of Sweeny, 402 N Main St, Sweeny.